Bill sets ex-cons on redemptive path

We like the social foresight of a bill in the state Legislature that would provide some non-violent former convicts an opportunity to lead productive lives.

The bill, approved last week by the S.C. House Judiciary Committee, would give someone who has been pardoned for a non-violent crime a better chance of living a normal life and getting a job.

The proposal by Rep. Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, would allow someone to apply to have his or her record expunged after receiving a pardon from the S.C. Board of Paroles and Pardons.

Murder, sex crimes and other violent offenses would not be included in the program.

“Right now if you go to McDonald’s, they’re pulling a rap sheet,” Rutherford said. A pardon “doesn’t mean anything to people at McDonald’s. All they see is this guy was convicted of forgery 20 years ago,” he said.

Officials routinely stress the link between unemployment and recidivism for those who have already interacted with the criminal justice system.

Under the current law, “We’ve created a class of unemployable people,” Rutherford said. He said people who would seek expungements would first have to clear the hurdle of obtaining a pardon.

Law-and-order hardliners might see too much leniency in such a bill. But every criminal sentence should not be a life sentence. The punishment need not go on forever. An ex-con who has paid his or her debt to society deserves a chance at redemption.

And the bill offers no relief for people who have a record of violent crimes.

In fact, starting in July such people will be required to carry a specially marked driver’s license. Under the so-called “Scarlet Letter” law, because anyone who checks ID’s, from an arresting highway patrol officer to a bouncer at a bar, will immediately become aware of the individual’s record.